Introduction
Welcome to the delightful journey through The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen by Jane Austen! 📚✨ This collection not only showcases Austen’s exceptional narrative skills but also includes beautiful illustrations that bring her stories to life in a unique and engaging way. Jane Austen, a name synonymous with keen social commentary, wit, and a deep exploration of romantic and familial relationships within the gentry of late 18th and early 19th century England, has charmed readers for over two centuries.
Her works, falling under the literary genre of classic English literature and romance, provide not just engaging narratives but also a window into the societal norms and challenges of her time. Austen’s ability to weave intricate plots with vivid characters, all while employing a sharp and subtly ironic narrative voice, has made her one of the most widely read and beloved authors in English literature.
Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Austen’s work or new to her timeless stories, The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen promises a fresh and visually stunning experience, transporting you straight into the heart of Regency England. So, let’s embark on this literary journey together, exploring love, society, and the complexities of human nature through Austen’s eyes. 🌹📖
Plot Summary
The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen encompasses several of Austen’s novels, each with its own unique plot. Below is a brief summary of her major works included in this collection, highlighting the main events, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Pride and Prejudice —
Exposition: The Bennet family, with five unmarried daughters, becomes excited about the arrival of the wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley in their neighborhood.
Rising Action: Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley’s friend, and their mutual disdain sets off a series of misunderstandings and judgments.
Climax: Elizabeth rejects Darcy’s first proposal, leading to self-reflection and growth for both characters.
Falling Action: After clearing up misunderstandings and overcoming prejudices, Elizabeth and Darcy grow closer.
Resolution: Elizabeth and Darcy, along with Jane and Bingley, overcome societal and personal obstacles to find love and happiness.
Sense and Sensibility —
Exposition: The Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, face a downturn in their fortunes and are forced to move to a more modest home.
Rising Action: The sisters navigate love and heartbreak—Elinor with Edward Ferrars and Marianne with John Willoughby.
Climax: Marianne’s illness and Elinor’s discovery of Edward’s secret engagement test the sisters’ resolve.
Falling Action: Marianne recovers, and Edward is released from his engagement.
Resolution: Elinor marries Edward, and Marianne finds happiness with Colonel Brandon, showcasing the balance of sense and sensibility in love and life.
Emma —
Exposition: Emma Woodhouse, a young woman who enjoys matchmaking, vows not to marry and instead tries to arrange the love lives of her friends.
Rising Action: Emma’s attempts at matchmaking lead to misunderstandings and misjudgments.
Climax: Emma realizes her own feelings for Mr. Knightley after jeopardizing her friendship with him.
Falling Action: Emma works to right her wrongs and mend the relationships she’s damaged.
Resolution: Emma and Mr. Knightley declare their love for each other, leading to their engagement and marriage.
Mansfield Park —
Exposition: Fanny Price, a poor young girl, is sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park.
Rising Action: Fanny grows up and falls in love with her cousin Edmund, while navigating the complex social dynamics of her extended family.
Climax: The arrival of the Crawford siblings disrupts life at Mansfield Park and tests Fanny’s moral compass.
Falling Action: Fanny’s steadfastness and virtue are proven right as the Crawfords’ flaws are exposed.
Resolution: Fanny marries Edmund, who finally recognizes her worth and their mutual love.
Northanger Abbey —
Exposition: Catherine Morland, a young woman with a love for Gothic novels, is invited to Bath with family friends.
Rising Action: Catherine’s imagination leads her to suspect a dark secret at Northanger Abbey.
Climax: Catherine’s suspicions are confronted by Henry Tilney, whom she has grown to love.
Falling Action: Catherine is sent home in disgrace, but Henry follows to propose.
Resolution: Catherine learns to distinguish reality from the fiction she reads, and she marries Henry.
Persuasion —
Exposition: Anne Elliot, persuaded to reject a proposal from Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of fortune, regrets her decision.
Rising Action: Wentworth returns, wealthy and successful, causing turmoil in Anne’s emotions.
Climax: Misunderstandings and jealousies reach a peak at the Musgrove’s party.
Falling Action: Anne and Wentworth communicate their enduring love for each other.
Resolution: They overcome the persuasion of the past to engage and marry, symbolizing hope and second chances.
Each story within The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen beautifully captures the essence of human nature, society, and the quest for love through the lens of its memorable characters and vivid settings.
Character Analysis
In The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen, each novel is populated with characters that are not only memorable but also serve as vehicles for Austen’s incisive observations about human nature, society, and the norms of her time. Below is an analysis of some of the main characters from Austen’s novels, highlighting their personalities, motivations, and how they develop throughout the stories.
Elizabeth Bennet —
Personality: Intelligent, witty, and with a keen sense of moral integrity, Elizabeth possesses a sharp tongue and a ready laugh. She values honesty and despises pretension.
Motivation: Elizabeth seeks a marriage based on love rather than convenience or wealth, a revolutionary concept for her time.
Development: Throughout Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth learns to overcome her initial prejudices and judgments, particularly concerning Mr. Darcy, leading to personal growth and eventual happiness.
Fitzwilliam Darcy —
Personality: Darcy starts as seemingly proud and aloof but is actually shy, honorable, and exceedingly generous, albeit with a tendency to judge too hastily.
Motivation: Darcy’s primary concern is the well-being and honor of his family and friends, though he also deeply desires to find true love.
Development: He learns to overcome his pride, acknowledging his faults, and striving to become a better man for Elizabeth’s sake.
Emma Woodhouse —
Personality: Charming, intelligent, but somewhat spoiled, Emma has a high opinion of her matchmaking skills, which often leads to trouble.
Motivation: Emma seeks to maintain her social status while ensuring the happiness of those around her, though her methods are misguided.
Development: Emma’s journey is one of self-discovery and maturation, as she comes to understand the real implications of her actions and the true nature of her own feelings.
Anne Elliot —
Personality: Anne is thoughtful, intelligent, and kind, but her family often overlooks her. She has a deep capacity for love and understanding.
Motivation: Anne desires a life filled with love and mutual respect, hoping to rectify past mistakes.
Development: Throughout Persuasion, Anne becomes more assertive and learns to trust her own judgment, leading to a second chance at happiness with Captain Wentworth.
Marianne Dashwood —
Personality: Passionate, impulsive, and with a deep appreciation for art and nature, Marianne embodies the sensibility aspect of Sense and Sensibility.
Motivation: Marianne seeks a romantic love that matches her ideals and passions.
Development: After facing heartbreak and illness, Marianne matures, recognizing the value of discretion, sense, and the quieter forms of love.
Elinor Dashwood —
Personality: The embodiment of sense, Elinor is practical, self-disciplined, and compassionate, always placing the needs of others before her own.
Motivation: Elinor strives to secure the well-being of her family while managing her own suppressed emotions.
Development: Elinor remains constant in her sense and sensibility but learns to open up more about her feelings, leading to her eventual happiness with Edward Ferrars.
| Character | Personality Traits | Motivation | Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennet | Intelligent, witty, moral | Seeks love over convenience | Overcomes prejudices, finds happiness |
| Fitzwilliam Darcy | Proud, generous, honorable | Desires love and family honor | Learns humility, wins Elizabeth’s love |
| Emma Woodhouse | Charming, spoiled, misguided | Wants to maintain status, ensure friends’ happiness | Matures, acknowledges her feelings |
| Anne Elliot | Thoughtful, overlooked, loving | Desires love and respect, correct past mistakes | Becomes assertive, wins back Wentworth |
| Marianne Dashwood | Passionate, impulsive, artistic | Seeks romantic, idealized love | Matures, values quiet forms of love |
| Elinor Dashwood | Practical, compassionate, disciplined | Aims for family’s well-being, manages own emotions | Opens up, achieves personal happiness |
This table summarizes the complex characters created by Jane Austen, showcasing their diverse personalities, motivations, and the growth they experience throughout their respective narratives.
Themes and Symbols
Jane Austen’s novels, rich with thematic depth and symbolism, explore a variety of topics that were not only relevant during her time but continue to resonate with readers today. Let’s delve into some of the major themes and symbols found in The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen.
Love and Marriage —
Text: At the heart of Austen’s novels is the theme of love and marriage, often portrayed as intertwined with social status, economic security, and individual choice. Austen examines the practicalities of marriage in her era alongside the ideal of marrying for love, suggesting that a balance between the heart and pragmatism leads to true happiness.
Social Class and Mobility —
Text: Austen critically explores the rigid class structures of her time, highlighting the challenges of social mobility. Characters often face societal pressures and limitations based on their birth, wealth, and connections. Yet, Austen also suggests that integrity and moral worth are more valuable than superficial status.
Morality and Virtue —
Text: The moral conduct of characters is central to Austen’s works. She champions virtues such as honesty, kindness, and humility, critiquing those who are deceitful, prideful, or overly concerned with appearances. This theme underscores the importance of personal integrity over social acclaim.
Independence and Self-Discovery —
Text: Austen’s heroines often embark on journeys of self-discovery, learning to navigate their desires, societal expectations, and personal growth. This theme emphasizes the importance of individualism and self-reliance, advocating for women’s independence and intellectual freedom.
Wit and Irony —
Text: Austen employs wit and irony to critique social norms, character flaws, and the marriage market. This stylistic approach not only adds humor to her narratives but also provides sharp insights into the human condition, revealing the absurdities of societal expectations.
The Estate —
Symbol: The English country estate symbolizes both the stability and the constraints of the social order in Austen’s novels. Estates like Pemberley represent the ideal of landed gentry, embodying wealth, tradition, and moral responsibility.
Letters —
Symbol: Letters play a crucial role in Austen’s novels, serving as key plot devices and symbols of communication and miscommunication. They reveal characters’ true feelings and intentions, bridging distances and misunderstandings.
Nature —
Symbol: Nature often reflects characters’ emotions or symbolizes their growth and change. Scenic landscapes and gardens in Austen’s works are not just backdrops but integral to the narrative, symbolizing beauty, freedom, and natural order.
These themes and symbols are woven throughout The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen, offering readers not only engaging narratives but also profound reflections on love, society, morality, and the human experience. Austen’s keen observations and timeless insights ensure her works remain relevant and cherished by generations.
Writing Style and Tone
Jane Austen’s writing style and tone contribute significantly to the charm, wit, and enduring popularity of her works. Through her novels in The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen, Austen showcases a remarkable ability to blend social commentary, irony, and humor with engaging storytelling. Here’s a closer look at how these elements come together:
- Precision and Clarity — Austen’s prose is celebrated for its precision and clarity. She chooses her words carefully to convey complex character emotions and social nuances with brevity and sharpness. This conciseness makes her observations on human nature and society both biting and delightful.
- Irony and Satire — Irony is one of Austen’s most powerful tools, used to critique the social norms and expectations of her time. Through subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle irony, she unveils the absurdities of the marriage market, class distinctions, and gender roles, often making her critique all the more potent because it is delivered with a smile rather than a scowl.
- Free Indirect Discourse — Austen was a master of free indirect discourse, a technique that blurs the line between the narrator’s voice and a character’s thoughts. This allows readers to get closer to characters like Elizabeth Bennet or Emma Woodhouse, understanding their perspectives and motivations intimately while also enjoying Austen’s own commentary on the events unfolding.
- Dialogue — Austen’s dialogues are sharp, witty, and often laden with double meanings. Through her characters’ conversations, she reveals their social standings, personalities, and desires. The dialogue in her novels not only advances the plot but also serves as a critical tool for character development and social satire.
- Tone — The tone of Austen’s novels strikes a balance between light-heartedness and earnestness. She writes with a playful wit, yet there’s a sincerity in her exploration of themes like love, morality, and social justice. This duality makes her works deeply enjoyable yet intellectually satisfying.
- Social Commentary — Above all, Austen’s novels are keenly observant social commentaries. She uses her narratives to examine and critique the world she lived in, from the constraints placed on women to the impact of wealth and status on personal relationships. Despite the historical distance, her insights remain relevant, reflecting on universal aspects of human society and behavior.
Austen’s writing style and tone are integral to her storytelling, blending entertainment with critical observation, making The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen not just a collection of romantic narratives but a sharp, insightful look into the human condition.
Literary Devices used in The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s novels are rich with literary devices that enhance her storytelling, character development, and thematic depth. Here are the top 10 literary devices used across The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen, showcasing her skill as a writer and her keen insight into human nature and society.
- Irony —
Austen uses irony to critique societal norms and character flaws subtly. Through ironic comments and situations, she reveals the contradictions and absurdities of her society, often highlighting the gap between appearance and reality. - Satire —
Through satire, Austen mocks the pretensions and follies of her characters and the world they inhabit. Her satirical observations address issues like marriage, social class, and gender roles, emphasizing her critical perspective on the social mores of her time. - Free Indirect Speech —
This technique allows Austen to merge her narrator’s voice with her characters’ thoughts and speech, offering readers insight into a character’s inner world while maintaining narrative control. It blurs the line between the narrator’s observations and characters’ subjective experiences. - Symbolism —
Austen uses symbols to deepen her narratives, such as estates symbolizing social status or letters representing communication and miscommunication. These symbols enrich the themes and character arcs within her novels. - Metaphor —
While Austen’s use of metaphor is often subtle, it’s effective in drawing parallels between her characters’ experiences and broader societal issues or emotional states, enhancing the thematic resonance of her stories. - Characterization —
Austen’s detailed and nuanced characterization brings her fictional world to life. Through their dialogue, actions, and relationships, characters reveal their virtues, flaws, and transformations, making them enduringly compelling and relatable. - Foreshadowing —
Austen employs foreshadowing to hint at future events or revelations in her novels. This device builds suspense and anticipation, subtly guiding the reader’s expectations and engagement with the plot. - Wit and Humor —
Austen’s wit and humor are not just entertaining; they also serve as a means of social critique and character development. Her clever dialogue and humorous situations reveal the absurdities of her characters’ social world. - Parallelism —
She often uses parallelism to draw comparisons between characters or situations, highlighting contrasts or similarities that deepen the reader’s understanding of her themes and characters’ journeys. - Social Commentary —
Through her narratives, Austen engages in social commentary, critically examining the laws, norms, and expectations that govern the lives of her characters. This device allows her to explore and critique the social, economic, and gender dynamics of her time.
These literary devices demonstrate Jane Austen’s mastery as a writer and her sophisticated approach to storytelling. They enrich her narratives, adding layers of meaning and engagement that continue to captivate readers worldwide.
Literary Devices Examples
Let’s explore examples and explanations of the top 10 literary devices Jane Austen used in The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen, highlighting her skillful storytelling and deep insight into human nature and society.
Irony
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennet’s initial dismissal of Mr. Darcy as prideful, only to later discover her own prejudices. | This situational irony highlights the gap between Elizabeth’s perception and reality, emphasizing the theme of misjudgment and growth. |
| Mr. Collins’ pompous letters intended to impress, only to reveal his lack of self-awareness. | The verbal irony in his letters critiques societal pretensions and the importance placed on social status. |
| The entailment of the Bennet estate to a male heir, meant to secure family wealth but instead causing their potential ruin. | Dramatic irony is used to critique inheritance laws and their impact on women’s financial security. |
Satire
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The depiction of Mrs. Bennet as overly concerned with marrying off her daughters. | Satirizes the societal pressure on women to marry for economic security rather than love. |
| The character of Sir Walter Elliot, who is obsessed with social status and appearances. | Uses satire to mock vanity and the superficial values of the aristocracy. |
| The introduction of Mr. Collins as a suitor, with his absurd flattery and proposals. | Satirizes the absurdities of marriage proposals and the lack of genuine affection in societal marriages. |
Free Indirect Speech
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Emma Woodhouse’s thoughts on Harriet Smith’s marriage prospects. | Blurs the line between Emma’s internal monologue and the narrator’s commentary, offering insight into Emma’s character and social snobbery. |
| Anne Elliot’s reflections on Captain Wentworth’s return. | Allows readers to empathize with Anne’s lingering feelings and regrets, deepening her character’s emotional resonance. |
| Elizabeth’s realization of Darcy’s true character at Pemberley. | Merges Elizabeth’s thoughts with narrative insight, highlighting her changing perceptions and growth. |
Symbolism
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pemberley estate representing Darcy’s true nature and values. | Symbolizes the importance of inner qualities over superficial judgments. |
| The cross necklace given to Fanny Price by Edmund. | Represents Edmund’s care for Fanny and her sentimental value of their relationship. |
| The sea in Persuasion as a symbol of change and renewal. | Reflects Anne Elliot’s journey towards reclaiming her past and embracing the future. |
Metaphor
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Marianne Dashwood’s comparison of love to a storm in Sense and Sensibility. | Illustrates her passionate and tumultuous view of love, contrasting with Elinor’s more restrained perspective. |
| Mr. Knightley’s estate, Donwell Abbey, as a metaphor for stability and tradition. | Reflects Mr. Knightley’s role as a moral center in Emma, embodying reliability and ethical standards. |
| The use of illness as a metaphor for emotional turmoil and growth in several novels. | Symbolizes personal transformation and enlightenment through adversity. |
Characterization
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The development of Elizabeth Bennet from prejudiced to open-minded. | Showcases Austen’s skill in creating dynamic characters who evolve through introspection and experience. |
| Mr. Darcy’s transition from aloof and prideful to understanding and generous. | Demonstrates the complexity of Austen’s characters, revealing depth and vulnerability beneath the surface. |
| Emma Woodhouse’s journey from meddling matchmaker to self-aware partner. | Illustrates character growth and the importance of self-realization and repentance. |
Foreshadowing
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Jane Bennet’s initial illness at Netherfield foreshadowing her relationship with Bingley. | Suggests the development of their relationship and the obstacles they will face. |
| The early mention of Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility hinting at Marianne’s future heartbreak. | Sets the stage for key plot developments and character arcs. |
| The naval officer’s tales in Persuasion foreshadowing Wentworth’s return. | Prepares the reader for Anne’s rekindled romance and the themes of second chances. |
Wit and Humor
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mr. Bennet’s sarcastic remarks about his daughters’ marriages. | Uses humor to critique the societal emphasis on marriage and highlight Mr. Bennet’s detachment. |
| Emma’s misguided attempts at matchmaking. | Provides comedic relief while also critiquing the social practice of matchmaking and class prejudices. |
| The absurdities of Mrs. Elton’s social ambitions in Emma. | Uses humor to expose the pretensions and social climbing prevalent in Austen’s society. |
Parallelism
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The contrast between Elizabeth and Jane Bennet’s romantic experiences. | Highlights different approaches to love and marriage, emphasizing the theme of individual choice. |
| The parallel love stories of Elinor/Lucy and Marianne/Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility. | Illuminates the novel’s exploration of sense versus sensibility in matters of the heart. |
| The mirrored relationships of Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram with the Crawfords in Mansfield Park. | Explores moral integrity versus superficial charm, emphasizing the novel’s ethical concerns. |
Social Commentary
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The critique of entailment and its effects on the Bennet sisters. | Highlights the precarious financial and social position of women, critiquing inheritance laws. |
| The portrayal of the navy in Persuasion as a means for social mobility. | Reflects on the changing social landscape and the possibilities for merit-based advancement. |
| The examination of marriage as both an economic and romantic institution. | Uses characters’ marriages and courtships to critique and explore the social construct of marriage. |
These examples showcase Jane Austen’s adept use of literary devices to enrich her storytelling, develop her characters, and weave intricate themes throughout her works. Her novels, filled with irony, satire, and social commentary, remain as engaging and relevant today as they were in her own time.
The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen – FAQs
What is The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen?
The Illustrated Works Of Jane Austen is a collection of Jane Austen’s most famous novels, enriched with illustrations that bring the stories and characters to life in a visually appealing way. This compilation typically includes Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion.
Who was Jane Austen?
Jane Austen was an English novelist known for her six major novels, which critique the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen’s plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favorable social standing and economic security.
Why is Jane Austen important?
Jane Austen is considered one of the greatest writers in English history. Her novels are celebrated for their wit, irony, and insight into social manners and the lives of women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Austen’s work has remained popular due to her timeless themes, complex characters, and sharp social commentary.
What themes are common in Jane Austen’s works?
Common themes in Austen’s works include love and marriage, social class and mobility, morality and virtue, independence and self-discovery, and the critique of societal norms. Her novels often explore the tensions between personal desire and social expectations.
How does Jane Austen develop her characters?
Austen develops her characters through their interactions, dialogue, and the social settings in which they find themselves. Her characters are complex and multifaceted, often undergoing significant personal growth and development throughout the novel.
What literary devices does Jane Austen use?
Jane Austen uses a variety of literary devices, including irony, satire, free indirect speech, symbolism, and detailed characterization, to enhance her storytelling and provide critical commentary on the society of her time.
Can Jane Austen’s novels be considered feminist?
While Austen wrote before the term “feminism” was coined, her novels can be interpreted through a feminist lens. They focus on women’s experiences, advocate for women’s independence and intellectual freedom, and critique the limited roles available to women in her society.
How have Jane Austen’s novels influenced literature?
Austen’s novels have had a profound influence on literature, particularly in the development of the novel as a form and the exploration of the everyday lives and inner thoughts of characters. Her use of irony, character development, and social commentary has influenced countless authors and remains a subject of study and admiration.
Quiz
| Question | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is the protagonist of Pride and Prejudice? | Elizabeth Bennet | Jane Bennet | Lydia Bennet | Mary Bennet |
| What is a central theme in Jane Austen’s novels? | Time travel | Love and marriage | Space exploration | Superheroes |
| Which novel features the estate called Pemberley? | Emma | Persuasion | Mansfield Park | Pride and Prejudice |
| In which novel does the character Emma Woodhouse appear? | Sense and Sensibility | Northanger Abbey | Emma | Persuasion |
| What is a common literary device used by Austen? | Hyperbole | Irony | Onomatopoeia | Simile |
| Who marries Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility? | Elinor Dashwood | Marianne Dashwood | Lucy Steele | Fanny Price |
| Which novel is considered Austen’s most critically acclaimed work? | Northanger Abbey | Emma | Pride and Prejudice | Persuasion |
| How does Jane Austen primarily develop her characters? | Through action sequences | Through their social interactions | Through magical elements | Through futuristic technology |
| What significant social issue does Austen critique in her novels? | The reliance on technology | The importance of social class and marriage | The advent of industrialization | The exploration of distant galaxies |
| Which novel begins with the line, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”? | Emma | Sense and Sensibility | Pride and Prejudice | Mansfield Park |
This quiz is designed to test your comprehension of Jane Austen’s novels, their characters, themes, and the literary devices she employed. Good luck!
Exercise
Spot the Literary Devices
Read the following paragraph from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice:
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Answers:
- Repetition — The phrase “It will not do” is repeated to emphasize the speaker’s intense emotions and the futility of trying to suppress them.
- Anaphora — The use of “My feelings” at the beginning of a sentence followed by “You must allow me” in the subsequent sentence creates a rhythm that underscores the earnestness and urgency of the speaker’s declaration.
- Direct Address — The speaker directly addresses the listener with “You must allow me to tell you,” making the declaration intensely personal and immediate.
- Hyperbole — The speaker uses hyperbole in “In vain have I struggled” to express the overwhelming nature of his feelings, suggesting that his efforts to control them have been dramatically unsuccessful.